Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

When it comes to Italian white wines, few names carry as much history and prestige as Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Produced exclusively in the picturesque medieval town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, this wine holds the distinction of being the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966, later elevated to DOCG in 1993. Known for its elegance, minerality, and ability to age, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a wine that perfectly reflects its terroir and centuries-old winemaking tradition.

The Vernaccia grape has been cultivated in San Gimignano since at least the 13th century, with written records praising its quality as early as 1276. Historical figures such as Dante Alighieri and Lorenzo the Magnificent referenced Vernaccia in their works, confirming its place as one of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its striking towers, is located in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Its vineyards enjoy a privileged position, benefiting from hilly terrain situated between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. The soils are rich in limestone, sandstone, and clay, elements that enhance the natural minerality of the wines. Combined with the Mediterranean climate - warm days followed by cool nights - these conditions create the perfect balance between ripeness and freshness. This unique interplay of soil, altitude, and climate is what gives Vernaccia di San Gimignano its trademark crisp acidity, delicate aromas, and characteristic mineral backbone.

By law, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG wines must be made with a minimum of 85% Vernaccia grapes, with the remaining 15% permitted from non-aromatic white varieties such as Trebbiano, Malvasia, or Chardonnay. Within this framework, winemakers produce distinctive styles.The classic Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is fresh, crisp, and easy to drink, with vibrant citrus and floral notes. The Riserva version, aged for at least 12 months plus three months in bottle, often in oak, offers greater complexity, structure, and impressive ageing potential.

A typical glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano displays a pale straw-yellow color that takes on golden reflections with age. On the nose, it reveals fresh aromas of green apple, white flowers, citrus, and almonds, often supported by subtle mineral and saline notes. On the palate, the wine is defined by its crisp acidity, balanced by a smooth texture, and finishes with a delicate almond-like bitterness, a signature trait of the grape.

Thanks to its freshness and structure, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is one of the most versatile Tuscan white wines at the table. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from grilled fish, shellfish, and octopus, to Tuscan antipasti and cured meats. It complements poultry and white meats in light sauces, as well as risotto and pasta with vegetables or seafood. For cheese lovers, it works especially well with aged pecorino and other Tuscan specialties. With its balance of acidity, minerality, and elegance, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a natural partner for Mediterranean cuisine, bringing out the best in both simple and refined dishes.